Jail for retiree who shoved 90-year-old man with dementia, causing fatal head injury

SINGAPORE – A 72-year-old retiree confronted a 90-year-old man who had dementia after the latter yelled at him over a purported $100 loan.

During the scuffle in October 2023, Toh Teck Chye pushed Mr Choo Chin Nam, who fell and hit the back of his head on the ground. He died of a head injury at the hospital that evening.

Toh, now 73, was sentenced to two years and four months’ jail on Feb 13, 2025, after pleading guilty to an assault charge.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Cheah Wenjie said the two men were not acquainted with each other. However, Toh had previously seen Mr Choo near his Marsiling block of flats.

Besides dementia, the older man also had mobility issues and used a walking stick.

Shortly before 11.30am on Oct 15, 2023, Toh left his home and walked past Mr Choo, who was sitting on a bench at the void deck of Block 3, Marsiling Road.

Mr Choo suddenly shouted at Toh, claiming the man owed him $100. Toh confronted Mr Choo, and their argument became heated.

Mr Choo swung his walking stick towards Toh, who grabbed it. The two men started jostling over the walking stick before Toh released his grip on it.

He pushed Mr Choo, causing the older man to fall backwards and become motionless. Instead of helping him, Toh went home.

At around 11.35am, he returned to the scene and spotted several passers-by with Mr Choo.

Toh, who did not interact with them, went to a nearby shop to buy some cigarettes and instant noodles.

When the paramedics arrived at around 11.45am, they noted that Mr Choo could open his eyes and was able to sit up. However, he was throwing up multiple times and was unresponsive to questions.

Mr Choo, who was taken to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, was pronounced dead shortly before 8.30pm that day.

Investigators managed to track down Toh after they trawled through CCTV footage taken from cameras in the neighbourhood.

Officers arrested him at his home at around 2am on Oct 16, 2023.